The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention activated its emergency response on Thursday over the New World screwworm outbreak that is currently impacting animals in Texas and New Mexico.

The Department of Agriculture has confirmed at least six cases of the parasitic flies in the United States, which were first reported in the country last week. 

Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins said the emergency response is to give federal officials more resources and is a part of the Trump administration's whole of government approach. 

“The CDC is just one more step in the right direction that allows us to deploy more resources at the federal level,” Rollins said.

The fly maggots, which burrow into the flesh of living animals, have largely been detected in cattle, but have also been detected in a goat and a dog. They rarely impact humans but do have the capacity to do so, though no human cases have been reported. 

The CDC's declaration means that it is preparing for human cases. Humans who work with animals in areas where the cases have been detected and have a large open wound are most at risk.

Misty Severi is a news reporter for Just The News. You can follow her on X for more coverage.